Fair aims to raise awareness for autism

SARATOGA SPRINGS >> Autism is such a varied disorder, with every person affected differently, that it can be challenging for individuals and families to find resources that fit their needs. Saratoga’s third annual Autism Awareness Information Fair, which takes place from noon to 3 p.m. April 27 at the City Center, will help and will entertain visiting children as well.

Approximately 60 exhibitors will offer resources on therapeutic programs, school programs from pre-K through college, technological applications, recreational programs and camps.

On its website, the Autism Society defines autism as a complex developmental disability typically appearing before age 3. The disorder affects the ability to communicate and interact with others. Autism is a spectrum disorder affecting individuals differently and to varying degrees. There is no known single cause, but increased awareness and funding can help families.

In March, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the prevalence of autism had risen to one in every 68 births in the United States and almost one in 54 boys. The resulting focus on autism has opened opportunities for the nation to consider how to serve these families facing a lifetime of supports for their children.

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“Many people affected by autism become frustrated with the lack of a centralized place to find information,” said Pamela Polacsek, communications specialist at Saratoga Bridges, which is putting on the fair along with the Parent Network of the Capital Region and the Skidmore College Psychology Department. “It’s great for them to have people to speak to here.”

While adults browse the booths and the art exhibit, children can enjoy games, arts and crafts, and a bounce house.

“The bounce house is great for all the kids who have a hard time standing still,” said Tara Pleat of Clifton Park, a lawyer whose firm, Wilcenski and Pleat, works in special-needs law and is the presenting sponsor of the autism fair.

Pleat is also personally connected. Her 10-year-old son, Drew, whom she calls bright, quirky and sweet, has Asperger’s syndrome, a disorder on the autism spectrum. Drew says he wants to be an artist when he grows up. Last year, he showed some of his work at the fair’s art exhibit: a dinosaur drawing and a painting of colorful sailboats on the water.

“Resources about the autism spectrum are so fractured all over the place,” Pleat said. “The fair will bring service providers all into one location. People can get information on everything from early intervention to programs at the College of St. Rose.”

Skidmore College hosted the autism fair for the first two years and is still involved with the event. Skidmore student volunteers supervise the children’s areas, helping with the arts and crafts.

“We hope holding the event in downtown Saratoga will make for more visibility,” Polacsek said. “The fair will be beneficial and a fun couple of hours for families.”